Heart crumbling into dust, I rest my hand on his forearm. “So I just want to say thank you. For everything. No matter what happens with the promotion or us or any of it, know that I’ll always cherish this time with you. You are the kindest, most caring man I’ve ever had the privilege to know. Your resilience inspires me. I’m in awe of you.”

I slide my fingers from his arm and stuff my trembling hands into my pockets. He still hasn’t put the camera down. “Good luck on the promotion. For what it’s worth, I think you’d make a great digital marketing director. See you around.”

I turn my back just as the sun creeps out from behind the clouds, illuminating the landscape in dazzling color. At the base of the island, Pinnacle Rock, a jagged, ruddy peak, points toward the blue sky like an arrowhead.

Graeme doesn’t say a word.

It’s been two full weeks since the cruise.

Two weeks of meetings and the fall term starting and sliding back into the daily grind of existence. I’ve caught up on all my work emails, my current projects are up to date, and I’m ahead of schedule on next month’s Alaska mailing.

So why do I feel so empty?

My phone pulses like a beacon from where it’s tucked inside my purse. On it, hundreds of pictures from the Galápagos hover in the cloud. At least three dozen include Graeme. I run my index finger along the purse strap peeking out from under my desk. I could swipe through the photos again… it’d only be the fourth time today…

I ball my hand into a fist on my lap, forcing it to stillness.

No. I said my piece two weeks ago, and Graeme hasn’t called or texted since—nothing except obligatory work communications. His silence is perfectly clear. My chest aches and I grind the heel of my palm against the physical pain.

No more crying over what might have been. I need to face forward, especially now that I’ve taken stock of my life. Nearly losing my sister to an abusive relationship and falling for a guy only to drive him away changed everything. It made me realize I’ve been so singularly focused on my career that I’ve sacrificed too much—missed out on too much with the people I love.

Not anymore.

I can be career minded and make room for meaningful experiences in my life. Even if it doesn’t include Graeme.

Shaking my head with an exasperated moan, I open the PowerPoint presentation of my digital marketing proposal: thirty-two slides of persuasive data laid out in rich, numbers-supported glory.